A common issue with hip replacements is what surgeons refer to as "wear." As the new surfaces of the implant rub together—up to 2 million times per year in active adults—friction occurs. This leads to scratches which make tiny fragments of plastic and metal material rub off, thus wearing down the implant.
This effect—not unlike the action of a fingernail file—is a main reason why hip implants can "fail," and why a patient may undergo repeat surgery years after the original procedure.
At Smith & Nephew, we worked for more than a decade developing a new technology that addresses this problem for the tens of thousands of young, active patients who need a hip implant that can support their adventurous spirit. In 2003, we introduced our exclusive OXINIUM oxidized zirconium for hip replacements.
OXINIUM material—a patented metal alloy and ceramic hybrid—has proven to be a superior metal for use in hip implants due to its hardness, smoothness and resistance to scratching and abrasion. The superior strength results in significantly less wear than cobalt chrome (historically the material of choice in hip implants).
Some facts that may interest you:
- OXINIUM material is 4,900 times more abrasion resistant than cobalt chrome, and may last longer than other implants as it reduces up to 98% of the implant wear common to cobalt chrome hips.
- OXINIUM material has the confident strength of a metal implant, but has the wear-reducing properties of a hard ceramic.
- OXINIUM material is 20% lighter than cobalt chrome
Not every orthopedist uses Smith & Nephew hip implants made with exclusive OXINIUM technology. To find one in your area who does, use the search feature below.